Last month, a wholesaler and distributor of Asian food products based out of Los Angeles announced the recall of a Kimchi Hot Pot Soup Base. The soup base was sold from October of 2016 through the end of this January and was distributed to foodservice operators and retail stores in California and 28 other states.

The voluntary recall was issued due to the presence of undeclared crustacean shellfish. The company was made aware of the situation when it was notified of an allergic reaction by a consumer of the product according to the recall notice posted by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

To help prevent these types of allergic reactions, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) requires that food labels clearly identify the food source names of all ingredients that are, or contain any protein derived from, the eight most common food allergens. FALCPA defines these as “major food allergens” and they account for 90% of allergic reactions to foods. The eight include crustacean shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.

“Anyone allergic to crustacean shellfish that inadvertently consumes a food product that includes it as an ingredient could experience a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Crustacean shellfish includes crab, lobster and shrimp. People with this allergy must avoid foods containing proteins from these animals, which is why product labeling requirements exist today.”

Working to prevent these types of recalls through comprehensive food testing services is California’s LA Testing. The laboratory experts at LA Testing provide their services to help food producers, importers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers protect consumers and avoid costly product recalls through food allergen testing and labeling services.

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.